Team 102

How Michigan built an elite defense: Part V — The future

Michigan played defense in 2017-18.

John Beilein has been coaching for four decades, but the Wolverines managed to break seemingly every stereotype that has followed him throughout his career.

Michigan won five NCAA Tournament games despite playing only one great offensive game. The famous NCAA Tournament teams of Beilein’s past are remembered for their offensive shootouts in the NCAA Tournament. His latest team made it to the season’s final day with a collection of rock fights.

Just how good was Michigan defensively in 2017-18? What made the Wolverines so effective? This is part five of our five-part dissection of the Wolverine defense in 2017-18, examining what made it so effective and what could be in store for the future.

Today the focus is on Michigan’s future and what comes next for the defense. 

If you missed the previous features they can be found here: Contest every shot, ball screen defense, game control and personnel upgrades.

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